Thankful, Grateful And Full of Hope

Karrie Owen,
Vice President, Donor Advancement & Marketing
Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County

To say, 2020 has been difficult would be an understatement for many of us who have had daily routines adjusted, social gatherings canceled, loved ones lost and ‘normal’ occurrences completely changed.  As we approach year-end, it seems the turmoil continues to surround us, with worry and concern over the COVID-19 health pandemic, social injustice and the political storm.  I think right now it can be hard to feel thankful and grateful amidst so much uncertainty.

Despite the extraordinary challenges in 2020 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County are feeling thankful, grateful and full of hope.   While we know that before COVID-19, life was already difficult for many Club kids and their families as they faced obstacles like access to healthy snacks and hot meals, essential items like a toothbrush and socks, a device to participate in school, or a positive adult who would be there no matter what.   We also know that BECAUSE OF YOU hundreds of those who need us most were able to rely on the Boys & Girls Clubs to overcome each obstacle.  Because you’ve been here for us, we’ve been here for them and for that we are very thankful, grateful and full of hope.

Because of you, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County is appreciative for;

• Never having to completely shut our doors to serving kids. The Club has remained open to provide a critical safety net for those who need us most.    The Club transformed programming, adjusted service hours, provided meals, snacks and food boxes, access to Wi-Fi and devices for online learning and created Club on Wheels to take services to kids who could not make it to a Clubhouse.

• Our amazing team of professionals and volunteers who have been here every day doing Whatever It Takes for local kids. Our team is amazing!   They have shown incredible compassion and dedication, regardless of their own health and safety concerns, as they worked to find a way to help kids.

• Committed donors devoted to helping Club kids succeed. While overall charitable giving was down 8.3 percent in quarter two, our giving remained strong as donors like you responded to support the Club’s mission of “enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”  As year-end approaches, the reality that rallied supporters to give to COVID-19 relief funds is as true today as it was then.

• Collaborations with health officials, school administrators and faculty, non-profit and business leaders, and Club families have allowed us to respond affectively and reach more kids whose great futures were at risk due to the year’s overwhelming circumstances.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County is thankful, grateful and full of hope because of you, because of an amazing team, because of community support, because of strong partnerships, because we are doing Whatever it takes to meet the growing needs of our kids.   Thank you for your commitment to the Boys & Girls Club mission.   As we approach year-end we hope our journey together continues and you know that this Thanksgiving and always we are thankful for you.